Philadelphia, September 10, 2014
– Mayor Michael A. Nutter and Councilman James Kenney
announced that they have reached an agreement to amend a bill originally
introduced by the Councilman which will decriminalize possession and
use of small amounts of marijuana in the City of Philadelphia.

“This
bill will not legalize marijuana.  Rather, it will decriminalize
marijuana – which means that offenses involving small amounts of
marijuana will result in a civil penalty, not an arrest or
criminal record,” said Mayor Nutter.   “We want to ensure that the
punishment for using or possessing small amount of marijuana is
commensurate with the severity of the crime while giving police officers
the tools they need to protect the health and well-being
of all Philadelphians.  Our agreement on this bill is an example of the
legislative process working to bring people together, create discussion
around an important issue and ultimately reach consensus.”

Councilman
Kenney will take the necessary steps to amend the bill during City
Council session on September 11, 2014.  Once passed by City Council and
signed by the Mayor, the ordinance will go into
effect beginning October 20, 2014. 

“I am
very pleased that we have reached this commonsense agreement that will
improve opportunity for countless Philadelphians,” said Councilman
Kenney.  “Under this new policy, police officers will
be able to remain focused on more serious offenses, and many young
people will be spared the life-altering consequences of a criminal
record, such as limited job prospects, inability to obtain student loans
or even join the armed services.”

Using and
possessing marijuana in any amount is and will continue to be illegal
in the City of Philadelphia.  The amended bill will simply decriminalize
possession and use of small amounts of marijuana. 
Details of the ordinance include:

1.     
A person found to be in possession of a small
amount of marijuana (30 grams or less) will receive a Notice of
Violation and a $25 fine.

2.     
A person found to be using (smoking) a small amount
of marijuana (30 grams or less) in public will receive a Notice of
Violation and a $100 fine or up to nine hours of community service.

3.     
Philadelphia Police Officers will confiscate any marijuana they find.

4.     
The citations issued will be processed through the City of Philadelphia’s Municipal Court system.